Dallas Morning News Appointed New Restaurant Critic
Sarah Blaskovich has been named the restaurant critic for the publication, ending a seven-year vacancy in the role.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Dining Out
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The Dallas Morning News has appointed senior food staff writer Sarah Blaskovich as its new restaurant critic. She is the first person to hold the title since Michalene Busico departed the position in 2019.
Why it matters
The publication is modernizing the critic role to prioritize practical, authoritative guidance for local diners. By moving away from formal starred reviews, the outlet aims to provide more accessible recommendations for where residents should spend their money.
Sarah Blaskovich enters the role after serving as the publication's senior food staff writer. She notably broke the news regarding the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Texas in 2024.
The players
Sarah Blaskovich
She is the newly appointed restaurant critic and former senior food staff writer at The Dallas Morning News.
The Dallas Morning News
This is a major daily newspaper based in Dallas, Texas, that covers news across the North Texas region.
Michalene Busico
She served as the restaurant critic for The Dallas Morning News until her departure in 2019.
The details
Blaskovich will shift the focus of the column to curated recommendation guides organized by neighborhood and cuisine. Unlike traditional critics, she will not use disguises or remain anonymous, and she will personally pay for every meal she reviews.
Timeline
Michalene Busico departed from the restaurant critic role in 2019.
Blaskovich reported on the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Texas in 2024.
The Dallas Morning News appointed Blaskovich to the new position on September 23, 2026.
Culture Shift
The modernization of the restaurant critic role reflects a broader move toward utility-driven journalism in a post-star rating era. This shift mirrors national trends where digital-first publications favor accessible, neighborhood-based guides over traditional, top-down fine dining critiques.
Dallas diners can expect a more practical approach to food recommendations that focuses on neighborhood-specific guides rather than formal, anonymous reviews. This provides readers with more actionable information when deciding where to eat across the North Texas area.
The takeaway
Readers should look for updated, cuisine-specific guides as the publication shifts its editorial strategy. These resources are designed to help local diners find reliable and accessible dining options throughout the city.
Further reading
For more coverage on local eateries and food trends, visit the Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
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